July 07, 2025
You've heard it before: Quality comes at a price. This is especially true in the world of IT.
At first glance, choosing a low-cost managed IT service might seem smart — lower fees, basic assistance, and perhaps some cybersecurity add-ons. But when you look closer, hidden charges, loopholes, and inadequate protection often emerge, costing you far more over time.
After years of analyzing IT agreements for small businesses, we've identified recurring pitfalls. Below are the top five ways bargain MSPs compromise your technology—and how these shortcuts can lead to expensive problems.
1. Insufficient or Missing Cybersecurity Measures
Relying on basic antivirus software is not effective cybersecurity.
Yet many budget IT providers install just this and stop there—no two-factor authentication, no advanced endpoint monitoring, no employee awareness training, and no fallback if an intrusion occurs.
Why is this critical? Because cyber insurance companies now demand robust cybersecurity controls before issuing policies. Without these, your claim could be rejected following a breach.
We've seen businesses face losses of tens of thousands of dollars due to MSPs failing to implement required protections. That's a failure of IT support, not just an oversight.
2. Incomplete Backup Solutions That Leave Data Vulnerable
Many business owners mistakenly believe Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace provide full data backup.
In reality, these platforms offer only basic backups—not comprehensive disaster recovery or long-term retention.
Low-cost or inexperienced IT providers often neglect backups for cloud apps, CRMs, and external platforms, putting vital data at risk. Even worse, many fail to provide immutable backups, increasingly required by cyber insurance policies.
Think your data is safe? Ask your current provider what exactly they back up—and what is excluded.
3. Hidden Charges for On-Site and After-Hours Support
A common bait-and-switch tactic: offer a low monthly cost but charge extra whenever you need help after hours or require an on-site visit.
We advocate transparent, predictable pricing. Yet many providers exclude on-site visits, emergency support, and after-hours assistance from their flat-rate, racking up surprise fees.
This results in hesitation before calling for help—and costly downtime as your team delays support calls.
4. Lack of Support for Vendors and Peripheral Devices
If you have issues with phones, internet, or security cameras, some IT providers will say, "That's outside our scope."
They might even charge hourly just to liaise with your other service providers. Worse, if a device like a printer isn't on their approved list, they could refuse assistance entirely.
We include comprehensive vendor coordination and full network support for all hardware and services connected to your business technology, because issues can arise from any source.
5. Unqualified Technicians and Absence of Account Management
Be wary of solo operators or firms hiring inexperienced technicians as contractors without a strategic support plan.
With budget MSPs, you might get quick fixes—but not meaningful guidance.
What you deserve is:
- A dedicated account manager partnering with you to develop a clear technology strategy
- Regular assessments of your cybersecurity, compliance, and backup integrity
- Financial planning and scheduled technology upgrades
- A trusted advisor providing insights—not just ticket resolutions
Final Thought: If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is.
Many small businesses don't realize their IT vulnerabilities until a disaster strikes—ransomware, system failure, or hefty compliance penalties.
By then, it's often too late.
If you're seeking IT solutions that genuinely safeguard your business, focus beyond low-cost plans. Ask tough, specific questions. Demand transparent answers. And don't settle for contracts that leave gaps.
Curious about what your current IT contract may be missing? Let us evaluate your network, review your existing IT setup for free, highlight any gaps, and offer clear, jargon-free advice on how to strengthen your defenses.
Click here or call us at 916-476-2992 to schedule your complimentary 15-Minute Discovery Call.
